George Baldwin – Accounting and Business Insights Graduate Scheme

A crossroads worth taking

With a bachelor’s degree in Physics, a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment, and a PGCE, I was at a crossroads in my career. But after a short stint teaching Physics to 11- 16-year-olds, I finally knew I wanted to work in financial services. I was worried that my non-traditional background would put me at a disadvantage, so I was looking for something that would give me the exposure I needed. 

Then I came across Lloyds Banking Group’s graduate scheme. The chance to rotate between placements and take on work I could actually stand behind, all while studying towards a professional qualification, made me realise that I was right where I wanted to be. 

No such thing as average

I don’t think I’ve had an average day yet. The culture here really pushes you to embrace change, so every week brings something different. I recently got to work on a Power BI dashboard that tracks journal activity across the finance function. This was completely new territory for me. And I had to work with stakeholders across teams to make it land the way it needed to. It’s now used by senior leaders, and it’s completely changed how journals are managed across Lloyds Banking Group. Not bad for something I had no idea how to build a few months earlier, I’d say.

Selected for a reason

Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. I often worried about being one of the older graduates from an unusual background. But the advice I got kept me grounded: I was selected for a reason. The intake turned out to be so diverse that the things I'd worried about became the things that set me apart.

Making a big place feel small

Having a whole cohort going through the same things as I have has been a huge support. Plus, when you get exposed to activities outside work, like the ASPIRE network that I’m a member of, the Finance Dragon Boat Race and the Pub Rally, you end up with real friendships that make an organisation this size feel personal.

Coming full circle

If I had to sum up my time here in one photo, it'd be me hosting the Bristol Summer Welcome Day for the 2026 intake. Stepping outside my comfort zone, taking ownership of something that mattered, and helping others feel as welcomed as I once did has really made me feel at home here.